Degree Programs

In a changing news media landscape, this much remains true: People still want to know
what is going on in the world and local community around them. The basic skills of reporting and writing remain unchanged. What has changed are the expectations for journalists.

SCSU's Journalism Department recognizes that the new news media requires more than
a journalist who specializes in one medium such as newspaper, television or magazines.
The new news media requires a multimedia journalist capable of producing a full package
of news via text, video, audio, still photos, and graphics. The Journalism Department's
curriculum is geared toward providing students with a full range of the knowledge,
tools, and skills they will need to be successful in the field in this new news media
landscape.

Students who major in journalism at Southern have the option of studying for the B.A.
or the B.S. degree. Both major programs offer the broad liberal arts background necessary
for careers in the media and in allied fields, such as business and public service,
and for further study in law or graduate school.

The B.A. degree program consists of 30 credits in journalism and emphasizes writing
and reporting, technical, and web-centric skills, and related studies in the liberal
arts. The B.S. degree program consists of 36 credits in journalism and, in addition
to writing, reporting, technical and web-centric skills, includes videography, photography,
and internships. Both programs include a 3-credit capstone course that requires a
project and portfolio.

Students may apply to the Journalism Department for acceptance as majors as freshmen
or at any point throughout their academic career. Those who apply after beginning
their classes at Southern must have a 2.0 minimum GPA.Participation in a student activity involving the media, such as the student newspaper
or the campus radio or television station, is recommended beginning in the freshman
year. This experience provides practical applications for academic studies and helps
prepare students for internships. All journalism students, in both degree programs, must also complete 48 credits in
the Liberal Education Program, including JRN 135 - Journalism Technology, JRN 101
- The Media: Freedom & Power, and JRN 490 - Journalism Capstone.